Healthy Homes Assessment Plimmerton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords now have to make sure that their Plimmerton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of any renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely certified by 1 July 2024.

The areas covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

• Draught Stopping
• Heating
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Moisture Ingress & Drainage

We will assess the rental property you have in order to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager of any work required. needs to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the necessary information for your Tenancy Agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to meet the obligations to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthier homes connected fines.

We’re fully independent assessors for rental properties, we are fully qualified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

As of 1st July 2021, when a brand new or renewed contract is signed on a Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of within 90 days.

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, once a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on the Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to meet one of the Healthy Homes Standards inside of the period of time expected can lead to penalties of up to $7200. In addition, if the present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within the renewal, new or revised tenancy agreement there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Every tenant is entitled to request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the property they live in. If the property manager does not provide the required information within 21 days from receiving the request, they may be issued an infringement notice and be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a penalty approximately $900 for landlords and property managers providing a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Compliance Statement or information. The person liable for this fine is whoever is listed on the tenancy agreement as the one who is leasing the property out and it could be the name of the landlord or the company that manages the property.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be correct when the tenancy agreement is completed, and is updated during the entire tenancy, as relevant work gets completed.

It’s important to note that a landlord who have multiple rental properties could face even higher fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for serious violations, and landlords who own six or more properties can receive fines of up to $50,000 and as high as $100,000 in hearing claims.

In the end, a failure to meet compliance with Healthy Homes requirements can hit your pocket hard, resulting in massive fines as well as still having to meet compliance. Don’t put your rental at risk. property, contact us today and make arrangements to have a house inspection performed on your rental property.

See the full details for the Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes matter

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance so Important?

A majority of households rent from New Zealand and Plimmerton, and research has shown that these rental homes tend to be older, colder, have less effective heating, and generally are of lower quality than houses that are owned by the owner.

Damp, mouldy and cold houses are associated with negative health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, those who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from lower levels of satisfaction with life and a decrease in psychological well-being.

Improve the standard of Plimmerton rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health and minimise the interruption to learning, work and living because of illness. Your investment is also secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning lower costs for maintenance in the long run.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a listing of minimum and specific standards for heating, insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well Draught Control within Plimmerton rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Plimmerton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property right now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Plimmerton

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within homes. A draughty house will cost more to heat, meaning wasting energy and increased bills.

If a draft can be noticed from gaps that are not adequate or holes or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are the most unreasonable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or an unobstructed draught coming out of a hole or gap that is, it’s most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in somehow. Cracks and gaps that are large should be stopped permanently. Any gaps greater than 3mm that allow air in or out of your home need seals. In the case of an open fireplace isn’t used it could cause draughts, and should be shut from. Property managers and landlords are responsible for ensuring that such draughts are squelched as far as imaginable.

You don’t need to block off gaps or holes which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors might be necessary to allow movement of the structure when the household heats and cools, so that they can still be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will inspect all doors and windows during your Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Plimmerton

Rental properties in Plimmerton need to have a stable source of heating that can heat the main or largest living room to at least 18degC, even during the most coldest days of the year. This is the minimum indoor temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental wellbeing.

The source of heat requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) with at minimum 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and must meet the minimum requirement for heat capacity in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool could be used to check if the current fixed heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires as well as unflued combustion heaters such as mobile LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered acceptable heating options in those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating that you offer is an electric heater (or heat pump), it needs to have a thermostat. This will make the heating more uniform and efficient. In most homes, larger heaters that are fixed, such as wood burners, heat pumps, pellet burners or flued gas heaters are required. In certain situations, such as small apartments an electric, fixed heater could be enough.

If your main living space already has a central heating source like heat pumps, it may require a top up to ensure it meets the requirements. Some types of heaters can’t be used to comply with the standard since they’re either expensive, inefficient and/or unhealthy to run.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Plimmerton

Each living space within the rental property should include at least one open doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to take moisture away.

A ventilation quality is all about recognising it is that dry air will be easier to heat and that a well ventilated rental property is less likely to develop mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered to be liveable spaces. Spaces that connect, such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore are not require an opening window or door.

Each window, door , or the skylight needs to have the ability of opening to the outside and remain set in an opening position, allowing ventilation and fresh air ventilation.

Bathrooms, kitchens, as well as any other space in your home with a bath, shower and cooktop or another moisture-producing item will need appropriate extractor fans that can be vented out to the outside. This Healthy Homes Assessment service will ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in each livable space, including suitable extractor fans for areas that are high in moisture.

Check out the complete details of The Healthy Homes ventilation quality.

A warm dry house is an ideal home

Insulation Plimmerton

Insulation for underfloor and ceilings has been compulsory on all rental homes since July 1, 2019. All landlords and property managers should make sure that the insulation is in line with this new quality. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be replaced or replaced.

A properly insulated home will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of mould and damp, and also makes it easier to the house to keep warmth.

Insulation needs to meet the R-values for your area

The "R" refers to thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well insulation is able to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the quality of insulation.

• Zone 1 - Auckland & Northland - ceiling R 2.9 in the underfloor, 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and all of the South Island – ceiling R 3.3 below floor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes insulation quality.

Plimmerton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

The security of your rental home from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must ensure there is somewhere to allow surface, rain or ground water and also stop it from getting inside. When it comes to moisture and damp it’s frequently what you don’t see that can become a big problem and cause damages to your investment and harming your tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must have efficient drainage to get rid of rainwater, storm water and ground water, including an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure that the water is able to go and that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath buildings is a vital aspect of making sure your property is dry.

Alongside a drainage system to avoid the ingress of moisture, if your rental is enclosed between floorboards and the ground, a ground water barrier should be put in place if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the building. It also helps to prevent water damage to the floor insulation.

See the full details of this Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Plimmerton

The areas of rental property that are affected by the Healthy Homes Standards in Plimmerton include each:

• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Plimmerton for Rental Properties

There are many things to look over in an home review to determine if your rental property meets all the basic requirements of Healthy Homes Standards. A few examples are:

• Is the sub floor space covered in insulation and is there a ground water barrier in place?
• Do you think the ceiling insulation need topping up or replacing?
• Does the heat pump have enough capacity?
• Are there enough drainage and draught-stopping?
• Does the home have adequate ventilation? This includes extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy home that is in compliance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently getting on the wrong side of an tenancy solutions ruling can have a significant impact for landlords and property managers. For expert assistance, get in touch today to book your rental property home evaluation.